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Boat Hacks

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We have all found little tricks to make our boats our own. Things that save space, time or money. These tricks could be as simple as a new way to tie a knot or as complex as a completely macgyvered engine. Whatever your preference, here’s a few hacks to keep your boating easy.

  1. Shower caddies with suction cups to hold small objects- things like pens and flashlights can stay easily accessible while out of the way. Just suction the caddies  to a window or a wall wherever you need them.
  2. Use press and seal on wrap on the top of a glass to create a no-spill travel cup- any cup can become a to-go cup with press and seal. Simply cut out a small piece and seal it over the top of your cup. Add a straw and you’re good to go. Check out last week’s blog post for yummy drinks to fill it with!
  3. Use cheap solar lights for your boat- Lighting on boats can be complicated. No one wants to deal with rewiring to add or move lights. By using the small garden solar lights, you save time and money as well as the headache of pulling your boat apart.
  4. Save small condiment packets from fast food places- If you have ever tried to pack your small boat fridge you have endured the struggle of fitting large condiment bottles in your little fridge. Start gathering the small packets from fast food joints and keep a stockpile on your boat. You can have the condiments in a much more economical size.
  5. Store small tools and maintenance items in tackle boxes to keep them organized- It’s always a good idea to have spare parts and tools on board in case of an emergency, but storing them can be annoying. By organizing them in tackle boxes, they are easy to find and easy to store. Tackle boxes can really be used for a variety of things. Look around and see what other small objects could use a new home.

What hacks have you used on your boat?

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Image courtesy of www.macgyveronline.com

Boat Drinks for The Summertime

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Are you sick of the typical boat drinks? Soda, water, and Gatorade getting you down? Here’s some fun new drink recipes to try out during your next boat trip, or anytime you need a sweet drink.

Pineapple Mojito Sangria–

This drink is a delicious mix of white wine sangria and mojito. You can’t go wrong with this combo. The pineapple and mint leaves you with a refreshing minty sweet flavor.

4-Citrus Margarita–

What summer trip to the water is complete without a margarita? This one combines all our favorite citrus fruits into one sweet and sour combination that is great for a day spent in the sun.

Italian Ice Cream Soda–

I’ve yet to meet a person who doesn’t enjoy an Italian soda. These ones are quick and easy, with only four ingredients. Kids will love them too as they watch the cream mingle with the soda. It’s like a mini science experiment on your boat. 

Blackberry Sage Cooler–

This recipe is a great soda substitute. It is crisp and sweet without all the heavy syrups. If you’re a diet soda drinker this will probably be right up your alley. It’s also a great way to get all those blackberries utilized!

Coconut Lavender Lemonade–

Everyone’s favorite sunny day drink has just gotten an upgrade. Not only does it taste delicious, but it ends up a bright purple color that is sure to please. You can even add a little alcohol to take this lemonade from kids stand to adult mixer.

Remember to drink responsibly if you are going to try any of the alcoholic beverages. Boat safety should always be at the top of everyone’s priorities. To simplify your trip, try making your drinks beforehand and storing them in these cool bags to enjoy later! They’re like reusable Capri Suns. You’ll have to bring less on board with you and can keep the mess to a minimum. Stay hydrated and enjoy the last few weeks of summer on your boat!

Check out our post on Food Boats for some great food ideas to accompany your drinks.

Bringing Furry Friends Aboard Your Boat

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Adventures to sea just aren’t the same when you have to leave your favorite companion on land. People are able to take their dogs when they travel by car so why not when you travel by boat? Boating with your dog isn’t as challenging as you would think. With a few tips, lots of patience, and the right attitude you can learn to bring your furry first mate aboard.

Life Jackets

Although your dog may be an excellent swimmer it is always a good idea to have them wear a life jacket. As you well know, conditions on the water can change quickly. Your dog may also panic making it even more difficult to keep them above water or get them back to the boat. A bright colored life jacket with a handle will help immensely when trying to locate your dog and hoist them back into the boat.  

Water

You may be surrounded by it, but chances are you shouldn’t let your dog drink it. Make sure you have plenty of clean, cool water on board for your dog to drink. Dogs also need water to keep themselves cool, so it is especially important on hot summer days.

Dog-proof

You will need to get your boat as “dog-proof” as possible. Get things put away and try to keep fishing bait out of reach. The last thing you want is to be busy steering the boat and come back to find your dog has gotten into something.

Sunscreen

Short-haired dogs can actually get sunburned. It is always a good idea to protect them from the sun just like you would any other shipmate. Make sure they have access to shade and use a low SPF (15) sunscreen on them. Sprays are easiest to apply, but find something that is unscented to avoid irritating your dog.

Potty plan

This may be the most complicated of all the tips. It will require planning and training before hand. Unless you want to travel to shore every time your dog needs to do their business you will need to designate a spot on the boat or a litter box for your dog to use. Potty training is always a chore and trying to re-train them to go where you want them on a boat will require some patience. There are many ideas on how to handle the dog+potty+boat problem online. I would suggest some research and find a method that suits both you and your dog.

Remember that you know your dog best. Not all dogs are happy being on a boat and you should use your best judgement when bringing them aboard. You should also ensure your dog has proper identification on them both on and off land. Many mishaps can be prevented with a little planning. With a few steps and a little research boating with your four-legged friends can be a great experience.

dog on boat

Image Courtesy of: Dog Park Confessions http://rebloggy.com/blog/dogparkconfessions

5 Steps to Hauling Your Boat

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Unfortunately, there are instances where you may need to take your boat out of the water for overland transport. This can be a stressful experience and definitely present’s it’s own set of challenges. Fortunately, it has been done many times by many people and there are certain tried and true methods to make sure things go smoothly. When you are preparing your boat for transport there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure safe travels.

1. Find a Specialist

Finding someone who has transported boats before is always a good idea. You are placing your prized possession in the hands of someone else and you should ensure that those hands are capable. Talk to friends who may have already been through the process and look at reviews online.

2. Take Before Pictures

Having photos of the condition of the boat before departure will enable you to show evidence if there is damage to the boat when it arrives at its destination. It can also be helpful if anything has to be disassembled during transport. You can document the process of taking it apart and have images to follow when putting it back together.

3. Prep the Boat

You should empty all fuel, water, and waste tanks before transporting. In the winter you may need to drain additional systems. Disconnect the battery to avoid any electrical problems. You will also need to check for invasive species on your boat. The presence of invasive species when crossing state borders can be cause for impounding.  

4. Make Sure Everything is Secure

Regardless of how far you are traveling it is important to have everything secure. Check cabinets so that things don’t get jostled. Pay extra close attention to things that could potentially move past the hull and be damaged during transport.

5. Check Measurements

Lastly, measure your boat. Check height, width and length when on the trailer and compare the measurements to any measurement restrictions on the route. The last thing anyone wants is to scrape the top of the boat on a low overpass.

Transporting your boat doesn’t have to be a stressful process. Following all these steps will benefit both you and your boat, ensuring a safe journey to your destination where you can place your boat safely back in the water.

 

Food Boats and Eating on the Water

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Preparing food for boats is sometimes a difficult task. Not only does food safety play an important role in your meal planning, but often times so does cost, difficulty, and the amount of cleanup there may be. Easy meals that can be prepared beforehand or easily prepared on the boat are sometimes the best. Below are several food boat recipes that help food flow straight into your mouth without costing you a chunk of change or creating a catastrophe on board.

Potato Boats

More commonly known as potato skins, potato boats are easily prepared and can be filled with next to anything. Crunchy and delightful, prepare the skins ahead of time or reheat on board. These taste great both warm and cold. Try this hummus recipe in your next potato skin.

Sandwich Boats

Instead of regular, sliced sandwich bread use bread bowls or sandwich rolls for these. Bread boats are merely cut differently than a normal sandwich and are often times less messy. Make your sandwich how you normally would, just don’t cut your bread all the way through. Use these baked egg boats for inspiration of your own.

Tacos

..are already boats. They carry a large assortment of food and are easy to assemble. Prep your food before hand and have a quick taco bar for easy clean up. If you are entertaining guests, make it a pot luck and have everyone bring something small.

Pepper Boats

Peppers don’t get nearly enough credit. Bell peppers are great filled with casserole like foods such as cheese, dips, and beans. Not only are peppers cheap, but delicious and easy to prepare. Before heading out on the water, cut your peppers in half and deseed them before, and have your stuffing prepped.

Banana Boats

For those in your life with incurable sweet tooths, banana boats are easy and fun. You can add almost anything you want, but most recipes suggest using chocolate chips and marshmallows. Some like to grill them, others add fruits and syrups on top. It is all up to you. There is even an entire section about banana boats on Pinterest.
Don’t let food stand in the way of a fun and relaxing trip on the water. Food boats can be some of the best boat foods out there for a multitude of reasons.

Green Boating Tips

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Nowadays, everything and everyone is going ‘green’ in an effort to reduce our effects on this beautiful, blue earth. “71% of the Earth’s surface is water-covered, and oceans hold about 96.5% of all Earth’s water.” Boaters should be particularly concerned about taking action to protect our marine environment. Below are just some of the ways boaters and marine enthusiasts can help to minimize their impact on bodies of water.

Regular Upkeep

This includes maintenance and product updates whenever possible. Regularly monitoring your fluids helps to prevent discharges and leaks, which can spill into the water and contaminate it. Additionally, the type of anti-fouling paint you use may be toxic for the environment. Sloughing bottom paints and copper based paints release toxins and biocides on the environment. Many of these paints have been banned or regulated, and as a result there are several replacements that reduce the impact on the environment. Replacing old parts and energy systems with new ones can decrease the need for oil, reducing the potential for oil spills and greenhouse gas emissions. Solar panels, bio-diesel, LED lights, wind generators, and electrical engines are just some of the modifications one can make to their boats or yachts to become more green and energy efficient.

Smart Cleaning

Part of maintaining your boat is keeping it clean. Cleaners and soaps often times have chemicals, such as triclosan, which has been proven to be bad. Triclosan is bad for the marine environment because it can have effects on algae’s ability to photosynthesize and additionally cause biomagnification to occur. Biomagnification is the process in which a toxin becomes more concentrated as it goes up the food chain, causing havoc on the marine life throughout the process. Eco-friendly products for your boat cleaning needs are easy to find. Check out this boat cleaning supply list for environmentally friendly and biodegradable products.

‘Pack It In, Pack It Out’

This age old adage applies not only to land but to sea. The purpose behind this is to keep the wilderness wild and ‘untouched’. Basically, be kind to the environment and dispose of trash, waste, and hazardous materials properly. Marine debris is not just harmful for aquatic creatures, but also for humans enjoying the open ocean or beaches. Marine debris injures, traps, and chokes marine animals, physically harms beach goers and swimmers, and can get into the internal parts of boats. According to the E.P.A., in 2001, over 140,000 people across the U.S. removed about 3.6 million pounds of debris from more than 7,700 miles of coasts, shorelines, and underwater sites. Recycling, using biodegradable products, and managing waste holding tanks are some of the many actions boaters should take to prevent debris and water from entering our water.

Green Boating is Better Boating

There is no denying that if we want to continue enjoying a yachting and marine lifestyle, we must vigilantly protect our oceans. Not only are we protecting aquatic life, but our own, and the lifespans of our boats. Keep our oceans blue and your boating green.

Travel the World by Boating and Yachting

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In 2014, the Caribbean saw more than 26 million trips from foreigners, with over half of those being directly related to tourism. Maritime and coastal tourism have accounted for up to ⅓ of the marine economy in the E.U.. Hedy Lamarr (the actress) once said, “I’ve met the most interesting people while flying or on a boat. These methods of travel seem to attract the kind of people I want to be with.”

For those just getting into boating or traveling by boat (sail, power, trawler, sternwheelers, etc.), preparing for a trip on the high seas is more difficult than one might think. I have found that taking a trip by boat, without using a yacht charter service, can be surprisingly complicated. These trips aren’t your run of the mill drive by car or fly by plane trips, which still take time, effort, and planning. Knowing what to do and when to do it is essential for a seamless and fun trip, which is why planning is essential. Once the decision has been made to go on a trip, by boat, with your friends and family, it will finally be time to begin your journey.

“I Can Do This by Myself”

        Too many individuals go into travel planning processes (especially those involving boats, excluding chartered cruises) with the idea that they will be planning the entire trip without the help or advice of others, for a myriad of reasons. For example, maybe they don’t work well with others or maybe they get embarrassed asking for help. Regardless, one of the first things to do it rid yourself of this mindset. Yes, there are hundreds of thousands of travel sites, however, this should only be the start of your travel planning.

Begin with the internet. Then start enlisting the help of people on boating and sailing related forums. Meeting up with crews and owners at marinas can also be a great source of information. Travel agents are another group you can speak with during the planning process. Not only do travel agents know the ins and outs of multiple destinations, but they know more than you do. They also have better connections, and can be safety nets if you choose to work with them during the entirety of your travel process. Finally, be sure to visit and play with a number of boat travel planners, such as this one. Online tools can give you a sense of how many nautical miles you will be traveling or how much fuel you may need.

Decide Where You Are Going

        You likely already have an idea of the route you plan on taking, which is a start. A thorough travel route should be a priority though and should include a multitude of specifics. Plotting your route on a map can eliminate any questions about where you are going, how much fuel may be needed, what ports you plan to stop at, what ports can be emergency backups, etcetera. Additionally, once you know the route you are taking and the dates, you can begin to look at weather patterns. On the water, one must consider wind and waves, the potential for tsunamis, and, most likely, hurricanes. Understanding the potential for storm surges, winds, and the path of hurricanes could significantly alter the course of a boat trip. Have your hurricane preparedness plan arranged before leaving.

Budget, Budget, Budget

        Once a clear route and time range has been established, evaluating the budget of the trip will come next. One must account for food, water, pre-departure maintenance, fuel for along the way, the cost of staying at ports, and any fees and papers for coming or going from your destination. Keeping your food costs down, watching fuel prices from numerous resources, and preplanning your stays will likely save you a few bucks. Remember to account for several days extra worth of water and food in case of emergencies.

“A boat is a hole in the water that you throw your money into.” This is a fairly accurate description if something bad happens to your boat. What happens when you haven’t budgeted or aren’t prepared for those costs? You may need to buy parts or visit a marina for repairs. This is why you should consider your options.

Safety First is Safety Always

        There are a countless number of boating safety related infographics, articles, and videos out there on the web. First, use your common sense. If you don’t know your way around boats very well, hire someone who does. Alternatively, have someone aboard that can serve as an assistant skipper in case you are injured or for some other reason incapable of operating the boat. As mentioned earlier, be weather aware, and download and complete a safety checklist to help you prepare.

Furthermore, consider the safety of the wildlife and ocean around you. There have been several maritime laws that have been put into place in order to protect the environment. In 2010, there were approximately 10.2 million pieces of trash collected along just U.S. coastline. Protecting the environment and protecting travelers should be of the utmost importance during a long excursion on a boat. Should one of the travelers jump in for a dive, they may encounter ocean pollution, which is not only toxic for the oceans but can be dangerous for
those in the water. Keep an eye on the water around you and remember to dispose
of your trash appropriately.

Befriend Fellow Travelers

        Now comes the fun. From here on out, you are boating for the reasons that made you want to travel initially- minus regularly making pit stops for supplies and doing daily chores. During your journey, be sure to meet up with other people who are traveling by boat. As Hedy Lamarr acknowledged, this traveling crowd tends to be light hearted, and are actually some of the most active and healthy individuals. When speaking with other boaters, you may learn a thing or two about the next destination on your list. Plus, as a side bonus, you have the potential of meeting and making lifelong friends.

Remember Why You are Boating and Yachting

        Boating and traveling are, in several ways, ideal leisure activities for many. Don’t forget this while you are traveling. Yes, there will be work involved. Yes, there may be small problems here and there. But you are traveling on a boat for your own (hopefully positive) reasons. Relax, turn on some of your favorite tunes, do the activities you planned, enjoy the company around you, and have safe travels.

Repairing and Maintaining Your Boat or Yacht

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Almost each and every man-made object will fail at some point. The degree of said failures can determine when it is time to repair something or move on. Electronics, appliances, cars, and boats all require maintenance, and without needed maintenance, your boat may not last as long. Repairs can be tricky to navigate- expenses, trustworthiness of the repairers, and time can all be factors that affect repairs. The following are some general tips that may be able to help you through the maintenance and repair process.

Maintaining Your Boat and Yacht

–Wash your boat regularly, especially if you boat in saltwater. Saltwater can have damaging effects on your boat’s hardware (particularly the metals your boat is comprised of). Cleaning your boat is fairly easy and requires marine boatwash (or car wash or laundry soap) plus time to brush and rinse your boat.

–Be sure to regularly monitor your fluids. Fluid analysis helps to check the life of your boat’s mechanical systems and how they endure the elements: heat, friction, stress, pollutants, and the like.

–Follow a schedule. Keeping tabs on all of the small components helps in the long run for the lifespan of your boat. Avoid those unusual noises or engine failures by following a set checklist that includes practices such as regularly adding oil, conducting a fluid analysis, watching the gauges, checking the propeller, etc.

Repairing Your Boat and Yacht

–Consider your budget. Get a written estimate and make sure the repairer you go to gets your authorization on each repair that must be made. Boats are expensive, but you can keep your purse strings tight and still fix your boat. Written estimates help you to approximate costs, while ensuring authorization can prevent the shop from drowning your budget should unexpected problems arise.

–Don’t be hasty, stay in communication, and follow a plan. Create a work order and completion date to keep things on track. Make sure that the shop keeps in contact with you throughout the repair process. Repairs take time and money. If you are unhappy with your repairs, talk to the shop and see if they can make it right. Don’t be quick to judge. Should they decline to help out, head to another shop and see what can be done.

–Get help with big problems, but know when it is time to walk away. Complex repairs should be assessed. Work with a marine surveyor before settling on such a big decision. If the marine repairer you are contemplating giving your business too seems uninterested in helping you out or fails to meet your basic requirements (you can’t have everything your way), it may be time to walk away and find another shop.

No one wants to break down when they are having fun and enjoying their time on the water.  Don’t be discouraged with repairing and maintaining your boat. It takes time and money, but in the long run will help your boat run smoother and last longer.

12 Boating and Yachting Safety Tips

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In 2014, the United States Coast Guard counted 4,064 accidents that involved 610 deaths. This was 10.6% increase from 2013’s fatalities. It is clear that although there are countless resources on boating safety tips more must be done. The following are 12 safe boating and yachting safety practices that everyone should know about.

  1. Use Your Common Sense – Operate your vessel at safe speeds, keep your eyes peeled for other boats and obstacles such as trees or shallow water, always have an experienced boater on board, don’t go out when the water is too choppy, etc.
  2. Take a Boat Course – These courses go over safety rules and operation protocols and are actually required in some states. All boaters should take these to stay educated and updated on safe boating actions.
  3. Have a Float Plan – Float plans are often given to a relative or local marina and include information such as the boat type and registration, names and phone numbers of each person on board, where you plan to go, and for how long.
  4. Swimming – All of those boating with or around you should know how to swim. This is important for both non-swimmers and people boating with non-swimmers. Find classes near or around you if you don’t know how to swim and plan on being around bodies of water regularly.
  5. Use Safety Equipment – Having the right equipment on board and making sure that each is used properly is vital. Personal flotation devices, throwable flotation devices, fire extinguishers, distress signaling devices are all forms of safety equipment. Before you leave the marina, make sure every passenger knows how to use each of these tools.
  6. Follow a Departure Plan – There are many checklists online, but following a departure plan helps to cover bases that may be missed. Departure checklists often include the following: making sure all of the safety equipment is on board and in working order, the engine is maintained and working properly, you have enough fuel, and have the proper documentation (papers, permits, charts).
  7. Do a Vessel Safety and Maintenance Check – This will likely be a part of your departure plan, but it is important to make sure lights are working, the engine is running fine, and do a fluid analysis to monitor your transmission, among other practices.
  8. Be Weather Aware – Check weather forecasts and weather patterns, keep an eye on the sky while boating, and make sure you have access to a radio to receive any incoming weather updates.
  9. Be Comfortable with First Aid Practices – Medical emergencies can happen at any time and learning to recognize and respond to situations appropriately can benefit those around you as well as yourself.
  10. Plan for Pets – If you plan on bringing Skipper along for the ride, make sure he has a dog life vest. Just as a life jacket helps bring you home safely, animal life jackets help bring family pets home safely.
  11. Avoid Substances that Influence – While alcohol is certainly one of the most frequently used influencers, there are many other types of drugs out there with unwanted and unknown side effects. If you have just begun taking a new prescription medication or are a few beers deep, you probably shouldn’t be operating a boat.
  12. Have Other Able-Bodied Persons Available – In case of emergencies or inebriation, there should be a second individual who knows how to operate the yacht or boat well enough to take over in case the original operator is incapable of doing so for whatever reason.